Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Master of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (M.F.W.C.B.)

The Master of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology requires that students have the following:

• A B.A. or B.S. degree in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology (F.W.C.B.) or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years full-time professional employment post-bachelor's degree, with work focusing on F.W.C.B. or a closely related field.
• A 3.00 GPA or higher on all undergraduate coursework. Exceptions to this are made on a case-by-case basis.
• No specific coursework is required but courses in ecology, introductory calculus, and statistics are prerequisites for a number of the online Master degree program’s core courses. Because applicants are working professionals, having the equivalent knowledge and skills from job settings could be used to meet a course prerequisite with instructor approval.
• Applications are reviewed for the presence of courses in the three topics listed above. If such courses are not readily apparent on a transcript, the applicant must explain briefly in their Personal Statement how equivalent knowledge to an undergraduate course has been gained in that topic or how the applicant plans to address this deficiency through coursework if admitted to the program.
• GRE scores are not required.

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience, references, and the Personal Statement.

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

• Three letters of recommendation
  Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf. Request letters from at least two of the following:
• Previous or current college/university instructors
• Previous or current immediate professional supervisors
• Observers other than supervisors who can verify the professional or intellectual expertise of the applicant. Letters from friends, relatives or character witnesses are considered only supplemental to the three required reference letters
• Resume
  Provide a detailed professional employment history and any publications, written reports, presentations, collegiate work, service activities, applicable trainings, and awards. The resume should demonstrate how the applicant meets all of the listed Admission Requirements. Dates of professional employment should clearly indicate how the applicant has a minimum of 2 years full-time professional employment post-bachelor's degree at the time the resume is submitted.
• Statement of purpose
  This focused statement should include information on past work experience specifically related to F.W.C.B. and natural resources and the applicant’s educational and long-term professional goals, addressing how the F.W.C.B. online Master degree program will contribute to both. Additionally, if courses listed under Review Admission Requirements are not readily apparent on the transcript, the applicant must explain briefly in the Personal Statement how equivalent knowledge has been gained in that topic or how the applicant plans to address this deficiency through coursework if admitted to the program.

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• Select "Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (M.F.W.C.) – Distance" when choosing the program of study.

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.